Wednesday, January 30, 2013

RELIGION

Sorry this is late today.... had a few issues...

I have always be interested in this word and what it really means in the bible; in particular when James says in James 1:26-27 “If any man thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this; to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” Religion in these verses means worship. The Greek word used is Threskeia. This same Greek word is used in Acts 26:5 and in Colossians 2:18. So religion in this context does not mean what the world says it means, Baptist, Catholic, Mormon, and all the others. Looking at the Greek it has nothing to do with what church is attended or a denomination. That really changes the idea of the verses in James; “If any man thinks he is worshipping and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s worship is useless. Pure and undefiled worship before God and the Father is this; to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” I for one want my worship to be a pure and a sweet savour to the Lord (Ezra 6:10). I should not be worried about what group, or church I attend or don’t attend of as long as my worship is pleasing to God.

The Quote:
“Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.”